ASHM Report Back

Clinical posts from members and guests of the Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM) from various international medical and scientific conferences on HIV, AIDS, viral hepatitis, and sexual health.

Getting It Right: Trans-inclusion in clinical care

The symposiusm on Trans-inclusion in clinical care was stimulating discussion with a diverse and representative panel facilitating the talk.

Discussion started with the gender experience rather than identity and the identification of the trans-gendered women, trans-gendered men and non binary people who seek health care. Important points raised included highlighting the need for education and upskilling of health professionals, if you are unsure, ask...ask about pronouns; ask "are you enjoying the sex you are having?", ask about the body parts used. There is decreased sexual health literacy in this group as they feel they "aren't part of the conversation".

In relation to HIV, the concern was that they are "not seen as a target group" by some, and yet trans women who have sex with men have higher rates than MSM groups.

Another important point around health for trans people raised was that there is not one group who takes the lead for Trans Health Care and this needs to happen - a Mandate for Trans Health! Normalised Health Care with GPs who are comfortable rather than care by endocrinologists is the way forward.